Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: They're Not the Same

What comes to mind when you hear the term obsessive-compulsive? Perhaps you think about a person who is driven or extremely preoccupied with order, or someone who engages in repetitive, senseless behaviors. It is true that these behaviors are often characterized as obsessive and compulsive, but did you know that the term “obsessive-compulsive” is used to describe two very different emotional conditions?

OCD is an anxiety disorder (an unrealistic, irrational fear or anxiety of disabling intensity), whereas OCPD is a
personality disorder
(a chronic pattern of inflexible and distorted personality and behavioral patterns). Let’s take a closer look at these disorders.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience repetitive thoughts and behaviors that make no sense.
Their obsessive thoughts may include:

Repeating routine actions a certain number of times until it feels just right

Unnecessary rereading and rewriting

Mentally repeating phrases

Excessive washing, sometimes for hours every day

These obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are extremely difficult for the person to overcome. If severe and untreated, OCD may seriously impact a person’s ability to function at work, at school, or at home.
OCD may also increase the risk of
having suicidal thoughts
and attempting suicide.

Treatment

OCD is commonly treated with behavior therapy and antidepressant medications called
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs). Risk of suicide should be assessed and monitored in all persons diagnosed with and treated for this disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Someone with OCPD has very high expectations and a need to control their environment. The person strives for perfection and does not view themself as in need of treatment. But, this personality disorder can greatly impact the person's relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. These interpersonal problems can occur because the person may:

Treatment

OCPD is usually treated with individual psychotherapy or counseling that focuses on helping people accept themselves, change inflexible thinking, and get more in touch with their feelings. Unlike OCD, medication is not usually prescribed for people with OCPD, although certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs, may be helpful for some. Hospitalization is rarely needed for people with OCPD, unless extreme stress results in compulsive behaviors that cause harm or lead to immobility.

Although both OCD and OCPD involve obsessive and compulsive behaviors, OCD is often a more severe and disabling condition. Many people with either OCD and OCPD can improve their mental health through treatment and lead fulfilling lives.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.